designation based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on a person’s red blood cells; A, B, AB, and O are the most common blood types.
superior vena cava
one of the largest veins in the body; returns oxygen-depleted blood from the upper body to the heart.
artery
a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.
hematologist
a physician who diagnoses and treats disorders of the blood.
atria
the two upper chambers of the heart (singular: atrium).
enzyme
a substance in the body that speeds up a specific reaction.
capillary bed
the puncture of a patient’s skin for the purpose of collecting a blood specimen from the capillaries beneath the puncture site; also called dermal puncture.
hypercholesterolemia
high cholesterol.
epicardium
the outermost layer of the heart; contains the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart (coronary arteries).
antigen
a substance that can prompt an immune response.
angina
chest pain, pressure, or discomfort.
leukocyte
white blood cell; capable of producing antibodies and destroying pathogens.
vasoconstriction
to injury in a blood vessel.
systemic circuit
the circulation of blood between the heart and the rest of the body (except the lungs).
atherosclerosis
a hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels.
atrial fibrillation
a common dysrhythmia that occurs when multiple sites fire in the atria; can cause blood to pool in the heart.
pulmonary embolism (PE)
a blood clot or other blockage found in the lungs.
anemia
a condition in which a person has either too few red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the blood.
ambulatory monitoring
a type of EKG technology that can record or monitor a patient’s heart rate and rhythm over an extended period while the patient continues with normal life; Holt
dysrhythmia
difficult or abnormal heart rhythm; includes rhythms that are too fast, too slow, or originate in an area of the heart other than the sinoatrial node; sometimes
hemophilia
a disorder that can cause excessive bleeding.
deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
a condition in which a blood clot forms deep under the skin, usually in the legs.
ventricular fibrillation
a dysrhythmia that occurs when multiple sites in the ventricles are firing at a very fast rate; can be lethal and requires immediate intervention.
pulmonary valve
the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; also called the pulmonary semilunar valve.
echocardiography
diagnostic testing that uses sound waves to visualize the heart.
electrocardiogram (EKG)
a recording in visible form of the electrical activity of the heart; also called an ECG.
tricuspid valve
the heart valve located between the right atrium and the right ventricle; also called the right atrioventricular valve.
ischemia
condition in which an embolus blocks a coronary artery, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle supplied by that vessel.
aerobic exercise
exercise that increases breathing and heart rate.
lymphocyte
a type of white blood cell that plays a role in boosting the body’s immune system.
coronary circuit
the circulation of blood between the chambers of the heart and the heart tissue itself; part of systemic circulation.
inferior vena cava
large vein that carries blood to the heart from the legs and trunk.
congestive heart failure
a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged and is no longer able to pump effectively; causes blood to back up in various parts of the body.
ventricles
the two lower chambers of the heart.
aneurysm
a weak area in the wall of the artery.
bicuspid valve
the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery; also called the mitral valve.
cardiac conduction system
the pathway of electrical impulses
pericardial membrane
the sac covering the heart; also called the pericardium.
sickle cell disease (SCD)
an inherited blood condition in which abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become deformed; these deformed cells can get stuck in blood vessels, causin
hemostasis
the stopping of a flow of blood.
coronary artery disease (CAD)
a condition that occurs when the arteries that supply the heart muscle become narrowed, thickened, and hardened by the buildup of fatty deposits.
alveoli
the air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
cardiomyopathy
a condition in which the muscular layer of the heart is either enlarged or stretched out, making the heart unable to pump effectively.
prognosis
prediction about the outcome of an illness.
pulmonary circuit
the circulation of blood between the heart and the lungs.
erythrocytes
a red blood cell; contains the protein (hemoglobin) that carries oxygen in the blood.
thrombophilia
a general term for disorders that can cause excessive blood clotting.
sputum
mucus coughed up from the lungs.
endocarditis
inflammation of the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart).
plasma
the liquid portion of blood.
thrombophlebitis
inflammation of a superficial vein caused by the formation of a clot.
formed elements
the solid portion of blood.
thrombocyte
part of the formed elements of blood; plays a role in blood clotting; also called platelet.
aortic valve
the heart valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta; also called the aortic semilunar valve.
coronary arteries
the arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the heart.
cardiologist
a physician who diagnoses and treats heart conditions.
peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
a disease in which the legs, feet, arms, or hands do not have enough blood circulation due to injury or to fatty deposits in the blood vessels that harden over
stress testing
diagnostic testing which uses EKG technology to evaluate how the heart functions under controlled stress.
antibody
a protein made by the body to protect against foreign substances.
myocardium
the middle and thickest layer of the heart; made up of cells capable of continuous rhythmic contraction.
pulmonary edema
fluid buildup in the lungs; can interfere with gas exchange.
endocardium
the thin, innermost layer of the heart; forms a smooth, elastic surface that allows blood to flow without stopping or clotting.
congenital defect
a defect due to a problem that occurred before birth.
embolus
a blood clot or loosened plaque that travels from its original site and can block blood f low.
pericarditis
inflammation of the pericardium (the membrane that surrounds the heart).
septum
in cardiology, the wall dividing the right and left sides of the heart.
Your experience on this site will be improved by allowing cookies.